UK retail sales values up 0.8% on last year, as consumer confidence shows signs of improvement, boosting leisure items.
On a total basis, sales values saw a 3% increase compared with a 0.8% increase in May 2009, with outdoor DIY and leisure, and clothing and footwear sales benefiting from sunny weather.

Homewares also showed some improvement, according to the BRC-KPMH Retail Sales Monitor. However, despite further discounts and promotions, big-ticket items struggled in May, affected by consumer uncertainty about job and income prospects.

British Retail Consortium (BRC) director general Stephen Robertson said: "The sunnier second half of May provided a welcome boost to overall sales. The warmer weather combined with discounts and promotions encouraged spending on clothing, footwear, outdoor DIY and gardening."

He added: "Consumer confidence has clearly improved since last year's lows. But there's still plenty of uncertainty, which is making customers nervous about buying expensive goods, such as furniture, despite widespread reductions. This month's emergency Budget should provide more clarity."

Non-food non-store sales, including online and mail order were up 21.9% on May last year and saw a 15.9% increase on April 2010. While the best performance since December, the BRC explained that May's gain was against relatively weak growth in May 2009.